Prabowo and Macron Discuss Defence Cooperation to Creative Economy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussed several strategic issues, including strengthening cooperation between the two countries in sectors ranging from defence to the creative economy.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) received in Jakarta on Wednesday, President Prabowo stated in an official social media post that he had met President Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Tuesday (14/4) to discuss strengthening strategic cooperation in various priority sectors that would benefit both Indonesia and France.

“This includes the procurement of defence equipment and strengthening the defence industry, energy transition and the development of new renewable energy, infrastructure and transportation, up to education and the creative economy,” said Prabowo.

The Indonesian government, he said, views France as one of its strategic partners in the European region for developing broader and more sustainable bilateral cooperation.

“As one of the important partners in the European region, Indonesia continues to encourage sustainable cooperation with France to open up new collaboration opportunities that are increasingly concrete and mutually beneficial for both countries,” Prabowo stated.

At the Elysee Palace itself, President Prabowo’s arrival was welcomed by a French guard of honour, which gave a salute accompanied by instruments from a musical unit. President Macron, who had been waiting on the terrace of the Elysee Palace, then walked to approach his guest in the courtyard.

Prabowo arrived in Paris on Monday (13/4) at 23.50 local time, after previously completing important diplomatic agendas in Moscow, Russia.

Prabowo’s arrival in the French capital is a continuation of Indonesia’s strategic diplomacy in Europe, following intensive bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace.